January 25, 2008

My doctor made me get a bone density scan last year because of my 'premature grays.' How mortifying. So it got me thinking about bones and calcium and stuff, and pretty much feeling like my mom. Turns out my bone density is fine and I intend to keep it that way.

I'm re-reading John Robbins' The Food Revolution and feel compelled to share some of his stats. (I understand that with any statistics they could be off, or wrong entirely. But it's worth thinking about, right?)

*Countries with the highest consumption of dairy products are the same countries with the highest rates of osteoporosis: Finland, Sweden, USA, England

*Calcium intake in rural China: 1/2 the calcium intake of the USA. Bone fracture rate in rural China: 1/5 of the USA.

*Amount of calcium lost in urine of a woman after eating a hamburger: 28 mg

*Amount of calcium lost in urine of a woman after drinking a cup of coffee: 2 mg

So, as mentioned in other posts on this blog, the best way to increase your calcium intake is to eat leafy green vegetables like broccoli, kale, and brussel sprouts. The calcium absorption from these veggies are substantially higher than cow's milk, and come with no ill side effects. Plus, green veggies are a lot cheaper than those questionable chocolatey calcium chews.

I've been a vegetarian for 8 or so years and have recently decided to cut out dairy products from my diet (at least at home and most of the time when dining out). It's so scary how we're all so misguided into thinking dairy is actually good for us. And of course, nobody wants to hear the truth about it!